East Champaran is one of the important districts in
Bihar with an area of 3,968 sq km. The population is about 3 million. The district headquarters is
Motihari.
The name Champaran is derived from 'champa-aranya'. 'Champa' or 'Champaka' means magnolia and 'aranya' means forest. Hence, 'champaranya' means forest of magnolia (champa) trees.
Economy depends on agriculture and industry. Rice, sugarcane, jute and lentils are some of the agricultural crops. Industries include several rice and oil mills. Sugar factories and button factories are scattered throughout the district. Gandak and Sikrahna are the two main rivers.
